Eryngium alpinum

Eryngium alpinum, also known as the Alpine thistle, is a majestic and eye-catching perennial that will give your garden a unique and architectural look. This robust plant is known for its impressive, spiky flowers that develop into beautiful, star-shaped spheres in a striking steel blue colour. The flowers appear from July to September and are surrounded by a fascinating rosette of dark green, glossy leaves with a blue hue and sharp edges.

At about 60 to 90 cm tall, Eryngium alpinum is ideal for the background of borders or as a striking solitary in a garden bed. Its spiky flowers and sleek, straight stems bring a modern and structured element to garden designs. The plant is also particularly attractive to bees and butterflies, making it a valuable addition to a garden aimed at promoting biodiversity.

Before planting, it is advisable to soak the roots in water for 3-6 hours to promote establishment. Then plant the roots shallowly (1-2 cm deep) in well-drained soil in a sunny location. Eryngium alpinum is low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, making it ideal for low-maintenance gardens. This plant can also withstand cold well and is suitable for different soil types, as long as they are well-drained.

With its striking blue flowers and low-maintenance nature, Eryngium alpinum is an excellent choice to add a touch of majestic beauty and structure to your garden, while also contributing to its appeal to pollinators.